2025 Northeast Texas Regional Preservation Summit

RURAL PRESERVATION IN A SUBURBAN AGE:
Preservation Planning for Historic Churches and Cemeteries

Thursday, September 25th in Plano

Join us for a day of discussion and networking focused on preservation planning for historic churches and cemeteries in Texas! As suburban growth transforms once-rural landscapes and population shifts leave other areas in decline, these enduring landmarks face both challenges and opportunities. Together we’ll explore strategies for adaptation, interpretation, and renewal to help ensure that these sacred and cultural sites continue to honor the past while engaging new generations.

The Summit will take place at the Nature and Retreat Center in Plano (5901 Los Rios Blvd) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 25th. Registration is $45 for Preservation Texas members, or $55 for non-members, and includes a boxed lunch.

We invite anyone with an interest in saving churches and cemeteries to learn from fellow advocates and preservation professionals. Gain insight, share experiences, and be inspired as we strengthen our shared commitment to steward these important community landmarks that are often all that remain of once vibrant rural crossroads and communities of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Pictured: The 1918 First Independent Baptist Church of Corsicana

Summit Schedule

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th
The Nature & Retreat Center, 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano

8:30 a.m. | CHECK IN
Coffee and breakfast pastries will be provided

9:00 a.m. | WELCOME AND NORTHEAST TEXAS PROGRAM UPDATE
Conor Herterich, Northeast Texas Program Officer, Preservation Texas

9:10 a.m. | RECOGNITION AND REFORM: EXPANDING THE FUTURE OF HISTORIC CEMETERIES

• ESTABLISHING A HISTORIC CEMETERY DATABASE FOR LOUISIANA
  Brian Davis, Executive Director, Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation

• NEW LEGISLATION FOR HISTORIC CEMETERIES
  Jenny McWilliams, Cemetery Preservation Program Coordinator, Texas Historical Commission
  Carlyn Copeland Hammons, Cemetery Program Specialist, Texas Historical Commission

10:40 a.m. | BENEATH THE SOIL, BETWEEN THE LINES: TOOLS FOR UNEARTHING COMMUNITY HISTORY

• GROUND PENETRATING RADAR: CAPABILITIES, PRACTICAL RESULTS, & COST
  Michael Martin, PhD, Founder & GPR Specialist, Sidekick LLC

• FINDING YOUR BUILDING'S HISTORY IN RURAL TEXAS NEWSPAPERS
  Ana Krahmer, Director, Digital Newspaper Program, University of North Texas

12:00 p.m. | LUNCH
Boxed lunches will be provided

1:00 p.m. | FROM SACRED PLACES TO COMMUNITY SPACES: CREATIVE FUTURES FOR UNDERUTILIZED CHURCH BUILDINGS

• ADAPTIVE REUSE OF HISTORIC CHURCHES: INTERNATIONAL INSIGHTS AND CASE STUDIES
  Molly Miller, PhD, Texas Main Street Community Liaison, Texas Historical Commission

• FRESH HOPE FOR RURAL CHURCHES: PRESERVING HERITAGE AND CULTIVATING RENEWAL
  Jennie Birkholz, MHA, Breakwater Light, LLC

2:20 p.m. | RECONCEPTUALIZING HISTORIC LANDSCAPES: CEMETERIES AND COMMUNITY SPACES IN PRACTICE

• REIMAGINING FORGOTTEN CEMETERIES: LIVING MEMORIALS FOR COMMUNITY AND LAND
  Julie Fineman, President, Friends of the Warren Ferris Cemetery & Co-creator, Constellation of Living Memorials
  Lynn McBee, Oakland Cemetery
  Xiomara Diaz-Vargas, Dallas County Director, Texas A&M AgriLife

• ACTIVATING HISTORICAL SPACES THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS
  Mary Foster, Heritage and Cultural Arts Program Manager, City of Allen

3:30 p.m. | CLOSING REMARKS & ADJOURN

Summit Sponsors

MARK THACKER, AIA